Spreadables

ABSTRACT

A spread container for spreadable foodstuffs allowing for spreading without utensils separate from the spread container is disclosed. The spread container comprises a spread nozzle associated with a dispensing unit for housing foodstuffs wherein a spreader surface associated with the nozzle allows the spread container to be manipulated to cause the spreader surface to dispense spreadable foodstuffs via the nozzle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spread container for spreading a spreadable material. More particularly it relates to a spread container that is configured to spread a spreadable material to bread in a fast, easy and hygienically way and at the same time eliminates the need for a separate knife to spread the spreadable material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spreadable foods are common table items and are enjoyed by many all over the world. There are numerous types of foods that can be spread. Typical spreadable foods include peanut butter, frosting, butter, mayonnaise, jelly, ice cream toppings, salad dressing and cream cheese and other edible spreads for use on bread, crackers, and the like. Often, a butter knife, spatula, or other similar device is used to spread the food onto the bread, cracker, or other item. However, these utensils can become lost on or at outdoor celebrations and picnics, or other events, or need to repeatedly dip a spreader knife into a jar. Additionally, materials accumulate on the knife and jar edges, as well as crumbs of other materials can accumulate in the jar. Traditional packaging is also challenging for children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and physically challenged individuals to use. The utensils used to remove and spread the contents of the packaging must be washed after every minor use, which is a particular inconvenience during such activities as traveling, picnics, and other occasions where typical kitchen amenities, brushes, sponges and other utensils and tools are not present.

The prior art has addressed solutions for spread containers as is illustrated by U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2008/0112750 issued to Thomson discloses a spread container comprising a housing containing a spreadable material. The container moreover comprises a spatula which in use is joined to the container. The spatula is made as an extension of a wall of the housing which extends in use beyond the periphery of the housing. The housing is a squeeze-pack incorporating one or more fold lines which allow the container to be collapsed on itself about those lines in concertina fashion when a user squeezes the container. It requires, however, a relative large force to dispense the spreadable material out of the container due to the outlet structures. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0000441 issued to Redmond discloses an aperture forming structure, which when attached to or integrally formed in dispenser packages for flow able substances allows reclose and single or multiple uses. The aperture forming structure includes a breakaway tip member of thermoform able plastic. The breakaway tip includes a hollow protrusion from a surface. The intersection of the hollow protrusion and the surface is a fault line. Rupturing of the fault line creates an aperture from which the contents of the dispenser package may exit. A cap may be integrally formed with the aperture forming structure and detached for protecting the hollow protrusion or for closing the aperture created when the fault line is ruptured. The aperture forming structure can be made by heating a relatively stiff substantially flat thermoform able sheet of and then stretching the sheet to create a first and a second hollow protrusion in a tiered configuration. A rupture line is placed at the intersection of the first and the second protrusions.

Therefore there is a need for a spread container that easily, quickly and accurately spreads material such as edible substances, being dispensed from containers such as squeeze tubes or bottles onto a slice of bread.

SUMMARY

A spread container for spreadable foodstuffs allowing for spreading without utensils separate from the spread container is disclosed. The spread container comprises a spread nozzle associated with a dispensing unit for housing foodstuffs wherein a spreader surface associated with the nozzle allows the spread container to be manipulated to cause the spreader surface to dispense spreadable foodstuffs via the nozzle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a spread container that will allow a user to spread a spreadable food item.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spread container having a dispensing nozzle associated with the dispenser to dispense material and a spreader surface associated with the nozzle whereby the dispenser may be manipulated to cause the spreader surface to spread material dispensed via the nozzle.

It is a further object to provide a spread container in which the spread container is dumbbell-shaped.

It is a further object to provide a spread container with a tear away end.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a spread container which includes +/−1 oz. of food product like peanut butter and grape jelly together.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a spread container, which eliminates the use of a knife for spreading food product on a spreader surface.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that the drawing depicts only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spread container in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The packaging for spreadable foodstuff's containers that allow for squeezing the foodstuff contained therein directly out of the packaging to evenly spread the foodstuff. Glass or plastic packaging is an efficient method of storing and preserving semi-solid foodstuffs. Though sugar can keep for exceedingly long times, containing it in a packaging is far more useful than older methods. Other methods of packaging jam, especially for industrially produced products, include cans and plastic packets, especially used in the food service industry for individual servings. Fruit preserves typically are of low water activity and can be stored at room temperature after opening, if used within a short period of time.

The spread container described herein facilitates the use and application of spreadable foodstuff. Rather than using a knife or spoon to transfer foodstuffs from a jar or other container to an object, such as a plate or food item such as a slice of bread; the spread container described herein allows for the direct transfer of foodstuffs from the container in which they are stored to a desired location without use of an intermediate transfer and/or without using a transfer utensil such as knife or spoon. The spread container provides not just the advantage of a time-savings benefit, but also has environmental advantages in that it not necessary to use and subsequently clean food utensils.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown and illustrated a spread container 10 for storing and dispensing spreadable food products, such as butter, margarine, cream cheese, preserves (jams, jellies), nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.), fruit butters or any other product with similar consistencies or temperature-related properties. The spread container 10 includes housing or dispensing unit 20. When the dispensing unit 20 of spread container 10 is squeezed, the material flows through a nozzle 30 which tapers toward an outlet 60 which is elongated laterally, to provide a dispensed layer of foodstuffs.

In another preferred embodiment, the nozzle 30 is preferably provided with a front diverging slanted wall, that provides an optimum delivering and spreading of the food product together with an easy arrangement thereof, free of any sharp edges, as the slant wall is abutted against the receiving surface of a bread slice or the like. The spread container 10 has tear away end 60 for an opening and flow path for the semi-solid foodstuffs. Additionally, the dispensing unit 20 may contain and house at least two spreadable foodstuffs 40 and 70 respectively.

An another preferred embodiment, the spread container 10 may include +/−1 oz. of food product, like peanut butter and grape jelly together, wherein the shape 50 of the dispensing unit 20 is dumbbell, which makes holding the spread container easier while using. The preferred material used for manufacturing of the spread container 10 is plastic, which is durable in nature. Any of the preceding embodiments may be further modified to comprise, a quick and convenient way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or snack, without making a mess. The spread container 10 also eliminates the possibility of jelly and peanut butter being mixed together when the same knife or spoon is used to get it both out of their jars.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A spread container for spreadable foodstuffs allowing for spreading without utensils separate from the spread container comprising: a spread container nozzle associated with a dispensing unit for housing foodstuffs; and a spreader surface associated with said container nozzle wherein said dispensing unit may be manipulated to cause said spreader surface to dispense spreadable foodstuffs via the nozzle.
 2. The spread container according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing unit contains at least two spreadable foodstuffs.
 3. The spread container according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing unit comprises a tear away end.
 4. The spread container according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing unit is dumbbell shaped.
 5. The spread container according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing unit is made from durable plastic. 